La Salle student's gun came from home, police say

Apr. 30, 2013

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Written by

John Faherty and Jennifer Edwards Baker

La Salle High School asked for prayer Monday after a student shot himself in the head during class that morning. / The Enquirer/Cara Owsley

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Joseph Poynter, the student who attempted suicide in a classroom Monday morning at La Salle High School, used a gun from his own home, according to Green Township Police Chief Bart West.

The weapon, a .45 caliber semi-automatic handgun, was kept in a safe inside the family’s home. Poynter, 17, shot himself in the head in front of his fellow students. He remains in critical condition at the University of Cincinnati Medical Center.

The boy’s family, on Tuesday, while requesting privacy during this difficult time, issued a statement through the hospital which said: “We love our son very much and have always been proud of him. We are grateful for all who continue to keep our son and our family in your prayers.”

As students and staff returned to La Salle High School this morning, a police report sheds further light on the tragedy.

Teacher Michael Holman told Green Township police he was sitting at his desk in the northeast corner of the classroom when Poynter, of Cleves, began yelling at him at 9:07 a.m., the report states.

“…the victim struggled to chamber a handgun, placed it to his right temple and discharged one round into his head,” reads the report, released this morning by Green Township police.

About 22 other students witnessed the suicide attempt, said Police Chief Bart West.

Some of them immediately ran out of the room, and others were ushered into other rooms.

“It’s just an unfortunate incident involving one student,” the chief said this morning. “The school did a great job of implementing their safety plan. They have a very good safety plan in place.”

Tuesday morning, students returned to campus at 7:45.

The school held a prayer service to start the day. Extra security guards were posted in the school’s parking lots, keeping out everyone but the school community, they said.

Another prayer service which will include more of the public - but not the news media - is planned for 7:30 p.m. in the school gym, archdiocese officials said.

Students went to classes but counselors were brought in to help students. A township police officer also will be at the school throughout the day, West said.

“We go through the school everyday, but we don’t have someone assigned there everyday,” West said.

The chief ended the interview by saying he was on his way to La Salle to check on things as well.

In December, he was announced as a new member of the National Honor Society as a junior.

On Feb. 18, Poynter made first honors, and on April 10, he was listed with second honors. A classmate in his Advanced Placement English class said Joseph was preparing to take a test to earn college credit.

Family members in a statement said Poynter was also working on becoming an Eagle Scout.